Maggio, Judge in Nursing Home Bribery Case, Steps Down

Former Arkansas judge Michael Maggio pleaded guilty to bribery allegations and has now voluntarily surrendered his license in order to avoid a disciplinary hearing.

The move comes in response to allegations that Maggio accepted campaign contributions from the owner of Greenbriar Care Center, a nursing home, and an associated lobbyist in exchange for reducing a fine levied against that facility in an abuse case resulting in the residents death. Martha Bull died after the staff at Greenbriar failed to act on a doctors order that she be taken to a hospital for more intensive treatment.

Maggio reduced the jury award of $5.2 million to $1 million, and was subsequently sued by Bull's family for that reduction.

Maggio has since been barred from practicing law in Arkansas by the states Supreme Court. The suit filed by Bulls family named Maggio, nursing home owner Michael Morton and former Republican Sen. Gilbert Baker, a middleman.

While the suit may have played a large part in Maggios decision to voluntarily surrender his license, just last month he was removed from the suit by another judge due to judicial immunity. Regardless, the lawsuit brought to light Maggios dubious connections and his questionable motives for reducing the jurys award in Bulls wrongful death case.

Maggio currently faces 10 years in prison for his actions.

We will continue to update this story as it progresses and as more details are made available to the public.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by abuse or neglect in a nursing home, call the Milwaukee personal injury lawyers at PKSD to discuss your legal options. We are always prepared to provide a free case review to any person who believes they may have a claim.